06 November 2007

Associations: Dementia

Forming associations between aspects of information that have to be remembered is an effective learning strategy.

Forming associations between aspects of information that have to be remembered is an effective learning strategy. It is also an entertaining exercise and stimulates creativity.

Try to link new information with existing memories. For example, suppose you meet Sam and are doing some serious searching of your thought organ to uncover how you are going to remember his name. After chatting for a while you discover that Sam is a fundi on Samurais and Kung Fu. Well, bingo! Say to yourself, I will remember Sam because he is into Samurais.

You can also use this technique to associate a face with a name and in the same process combine association with imagery.

You meet Cathy and again you search your thought organ for ways of remembering her name. After a while you realise Cathy is probably the most positive person you have ever met (bless her). Nothing gets her down and she always has a positive attitude. So, bingo again! You remember from school that the cathode is the positive part of a battery and go on to visualise her face with the cathode part of a battery protruding from her mouth.

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The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.